1998 Johnson Evinrude "EC" 2 thru 8 Service Manual, P/N 520202, Page 155Get this manual
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4Install piston rings on pistonSpread each ring with ring expander just enough to slip it over the head of the piston and down into place5Coat the piston and cylinder bore with oil
6Place the piston in OMC Ring Compressor, PIN 327017Make certain that the rings are correctly positioned in their grooves with respect to the dowel pinsDamaged pistons and broken rings will result from imperfect alignment of the ring gap and the dowel pinsThe piston rings must be correctly located on their dowel pins to prevent permanent powerhead damage
7Start the piston into bore of the cylinder with deflector of the piston (sharp edge) toward intake port side of the cylinder blockAfter pistons are installed, loosely install the cylinder head to prevent the pistons from falling outConnecting rod cap cannot be turned end for endTo assist correct assembly, small embossments are provided on matching side of rod and cap